Florida Retains Top Cornerbacks, Aided by Coach's Recruiting Efforts

Gators cornerbacks coach Brandon Harris focused on keeping his unit intact in the offseason

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Florida added at least one transfer to every position group across its roster during Jon Sumrall's first offseason in charge, but the cornerback unit was not a priority. Instead, cornerbacks coach Brandon Harris made it his mission to retain the Gators' top cornerbacks, including senior Dijon Johnson, redshirt junior Cormani McClain, sophomore J'Vari Flowers, and redshirt freshman Ben Hanks III. Harris spent his Christmas break FaceTiming the players and their families to convince them to stay at Florida.

Why it matters

Retaining top talent is crucial for Florida to maintain a strong secondary and continue its defensive success. The Gators' cornerback group was one of the most experienced and productive units on the team last season, and keeping that core intact will be key for the program's continued development under the new coaching staff.

The details

Harris noted that the new Florida staff, including general manager Dave Caldwell and defensive coordinator Brad White, believed the Gators already had ample cornerback talent in-house and prioritized holding on to those players. During his Christmas break, Harris spent time FaceTiming the cornerbacks and their families to pitch his plan for developing each player. His efforts paid off, as Florida retained its projected top-four cornerbacks for the 2026 season.

  • During Christmas break shortly after his hiring, Harris purchased an unlimited Wi-Fi plan and spent the trip FaceTiming UF's cornerbacks and their families.
  • After returning to town, Harris met with all of the Gators' corners at least once.

The players

Brandon Harris

Florida's cornerbacks coach who made retaining the team's top cornerbacks a priority in the offseason.

Dijon Johnson

Senior cornerback who has appeared in 29 games with Florida and made nine starts, recording 23 tackles, two interceptions, and four defended passes.

Cormani McClain

Redshirt junior cornerback who transferred to Florida from Colorado two offseasons ago and started six of his 10 appearances in 2025, recording an interception.

J'Vari Flowers

Sophomore cornerback who reclassified and joined Florida last offseason, appearing in 12 games, starting two, and recording 17 tackles and four defended passes.

Ben Hanks III

Redshirt freshman cornerback who is close with coach Harris, having known him since he was a child due to their families' connections.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't about getting on the 2027 class, it wasn't about seeing who we can make relationships with in high school recruiting. It was about, 'Okay, I need to recruit these guys like they're in the portal now.' I need to convince them that staying here at Florida and playing for us and playing for me as a position coach, it's the right thing for them.”

— Brandon Harris, Florida Cornerbacks Coach (247sports.com)

“He's excited about the opportunities in front of him. He's excited about playing with the guys that chose to stay and be Gators.”

— Brandon Harris, Florida Cornerbacks Coach (247sports.com)

What’s next

The Gators will look to build on their strong cornerback unit as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Coach Harris' proactive approach to retaining Florida's top cornerbacks demonstrates the importance of keeping talented players in-house, especially in an era of increased player movement through the transfer portal. His efforts to connect with the players and their families paid off, ensuring the Gators will have an experienced and productive secondary leading their defense in the upcoming season.